As schools across the region reopen for the new term January 5, the Nufashwa Yafasha Organization (NYO) has taken a significant step toward ensuring that young female athletes stay in the game and in the classroom. This week, the organization distributed a vital supply of sanitary pads and school supplies to members of its girls’ football team, removing a major barrier to their participation in sports and education.
The initiative is part of NYO’s broader “Back-to-School” support program, designed to assist vulnerable children in the Gatsibo district, Ngarama Sector. By providing these essential hygiene products, the organization aims to combat “period poverty,” which often forces young girls to miss training sessions and school days.
Breaking Barriers Through Sport
Nufashwa Yafasha, which translates to “A person who is helped and would also help others,” uses football and sport in general as a primary tool for social change. While the organization supports both young girls and boys, the girls’ football program specifically focuses on building confidence, leadership, and health awareness.
Jean Paul Bujyacyera, the Executive Director and Founder of Nufashwa Yafasha Organization, emphasized that the organization’s mission goes far beyond the pitch.
“Our purpose for establishing the girls’ football team is to provide a safe space where young girls and boys can grow together, support one another, and learn life skills,” said Bujyacyera. “We realized that basic needs like food and clothing are not enough; we must also address the specific challenges girls face, such as menstrual hygiene. By providing these pads, we ensure that no girl has to choose between her dignity and her education or her love for football.”
A Boost for Student-Athletes
For the players, the donation is more than just a resource it is a vote of confidence in their potential. Many of the athletes come from families where purchasing sanitary products can be a financial strain, often leading to absenteeism.
Alliette Nshutizibyose, a 15-year-old midfielder on the team, shared how the support impacts her life:
“In the past, many of us would stay home from practice or school during our periods because we didn’t have the right supplies,” Alliette explained. “It made us feel like we were falling behind the boys. Receiving these pads today makes us feel valued and ready to start the school term with focus. Now, we can keep playing and keep learning without any fear or shame.”
Nufashwa Yafasha Organization, founded in 2014, the Nufashwa Yafasha Organization is a non-profit dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and families in Rwanda. Through its core pillars of Education, Healthcare, and Economic Empowerment, NYO works to break the cycle of poverty. Their sports programs serve as a vital hook to keep youth engaged in a positive community environment while receiving the mentorship they need to succeed.
